Preparing activities for an elementary apple-themed unit doesn't have to be complicated. These fun, hands-on activities are easy to pull together and are sure to be a hit with all children!
Torn Paper Apple Craft
Make an apple with a small paper plate, red construction paper, green construction paper, and glue. Tear a piece of red construction paper into various-sized, rough edged pieces. Glue them onto the plate, overlapping the pieces and the edges. Tear a small green piece for the stem and glue it on to the top. An easy apple!
Compare Apples to Apples
Bring in as many different kinds of apples as possible. Choose a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Have the children brainstorm a list of words that describe the apples and make a list on a piece of chart paper. Then cut up three or four different kinds of apples so each student can have a taste of each one. Have the students examine them and compare the taste, flesh color, texture, etc. Create a chart with four sections and have the students list words for each different variety of apple.
Apple Recipe Book
Request that each child brings in a favorite apple recipe from home. Assemble them into a booklet and send home a copy for each family.
Apple Tasting Party
Try everything apple! Have the children brainstorm a list of all the things people eat made with apples. These would include applesauce, apple juice, dried apples, apple pie, apple fritters, etc. Then have a feast so the children can sample as many apple products as possible.
Apple Cider Making Days Read Aloud
Apple Cider Making Days by Ann Purnell [Millbrook Press, 2002] is a delightful story about Alex and Abigail's visit to their Grandpa's apple farm. The story takes the reader through the entire apple cider making process as well as highlighting other events that take place at the family apple farm that opens to the public each fall. The illustrations are cozy and well-done and complete the story. The author has a downloadable teacher's guide on her website.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree Book
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons [Harcourt Brace & Company, 1984] is a colorful, engaging book that traces the changes of an apple tree throughout the year. Told through the story of Arnold and his family enjoying the tree in each season, the story also includes a small cut-out section that explains how an apple cider press works which would be beneficial for students who live in an area without an active press to visit.
Johnny Appleseed Book
Johnny Appleseed Goes a Planting by Patsy Jensen [Troll, 1994] is a good introductory book for primary grades. Illustrated in a style similar to Tomie dePaola, the story highlights the important facts regarding Johnny Chapman and his desire to assist people in planting apple trees all over the frontier.
Fall apple activities are a fun part of every primary school year. Kindergarten and first grade students will enjoy these simple apple activities and books as they celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day and National Apple Month! For more ideas in planning an apple unit, see Simple September and Fall Writing Activities for apple-themed writing prompts. For ideas on a fall or autumn themed unit, see Kindergarten and First Grade Fall Unit Ideas.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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